Transfer Profile: Tess Haadsma, '15

What made you pick Albion College?

I had looked into attending Albion right out of high school, but ultimately chose to attend a larger, public university because of a scholarship opportunity I had there. Right off the bat, I wasn't exactly happy there, and for the duration of my two years there, I just felt like it wasn't where I was supposed to be. When I finally talked with my parents and made the decision to transfer, Albion was without a doubt my first choice. I was instantly attracted to the liberal arts education approach Albion emphasizes.

I know it probably seems cheesy, but as soon as I stepped foot on Albion's campus, I knew it was where I belonged. I had always heard people talk about visiting a campus and just knowing that it was where they were meant to be, but I never really believed that people actually experienced that feeling until I felt it for myself at Albion College.

So far, how is Albion different from your previous school?

First, I noticed that Albion's campus has a cozier feel to it. Not only in terms of the size of campus, but in the way people interact with one another. Professors actually remember your name, students smile and say hello in passing.

And classes are much smaller and more discussion based. I'm taking an "Intro to Psychology" class this semester, and it's a class of 25 students. At my old school, all the intro psych classes were huge lectures with 150-plus students. Albion makes it so much less intimidating to ask questions and actually participate in class.

What are you studying? What are you involved in?

I'm majoring in Communication Studies with an emphasis on professional communication and production. The specific communication track I chose is really neat, because it requires classes from the both the English and communication departments, giving my communication studies degree a bit more of a concentration on writing, which is something that I found incredibly appealing.

As soon as I made the decision to become a student here at Albion, I knew instantly that I wanted to join the swim team. Swimming is a sport I've always loved, and one thing that's really exciting to me about transferring to a school like Albion is having the opportunity to be part of a team again, and represent my school by doing something I absolutely adore. I'm also planning to write for Albion's newspaper, The Pleiad.

What are your plans after graduating from Albion?

While my post-graduation plans are still up in the air, I hope to attend graduate school to earn my masters degree in either library/information science or journalism/mass communication. No matter whether I decide to attend graduate school right away or take a break from school to get some "real life" experience first, I know that my Albion College degree will give me the experience and ability necessary to succeed in whatever I choose to do.

What’s been the most pleasantly surprising thing you’ve seen at Albion?

How friendly everyone is! I know it probably sounds so ridiculous, but having come from a larger institution, it genuinely surprised me how friendly and connected everyone is here. The advisers and professors at Albion are so much more willing to sit down and talk with you, and work out an academic plan that's tailored specifically for you. On move-in day, a handful of students stopped by my room to introduce themselves, which was something I was definitely not expecting, but I was so happy that they did!

What was the transfer process like for you?

The process of transferring to Albion was a lot smoother of a process than I had been expecting! Before even submitting an application, I made contact with the transfer admissions counselor, Karen. She responded almost instantly, and really identified with my situation and understood where I was coming from, which made me feel so much more at ease. Since I had previously applied and been admitted to Albion right out of high school, all I had to do was reactivate my application from high school, which was really nice.

As a transfer student, the actual process of credit transferring from one institution to another can be nerve-wracking, but the way they did it here at Albion was fairly painless. I set up a meeting time with the registrar, and he sat down and explained to me how credits work at Albion, what the requirements for graduation are, and which of my credits from my previous institution had direct equivalencies here at Albion College.

Transfer Profile: Emily Espinosa, '16

What made you pick Albion College?

I applied and auditioned for several different schools, including some very large ones, but when I visited these bigger schools I felt so insignificant. Even from just campus visits I felt like I did not matter and would never be heard. I knew that I needed something more personal where I could make an impact and contribute.

When I visited Albion College, I immediately felt the emphasis on the individual students. Each one mattered. I knew that I would matter. Everyone was really friendly and made me feel so welcome. It was such a wonderful experience I had not received anywhere else that my mind was made up. This was the school for me.

So far, how is Albion different from your previous school?

Albion is very different from my last school. One of the things that immediately struck me upon arriving was how everyone here really wants to be here and wants to learn. Here the teachers hold high expectations that really motivate us students to do our best and truly invest ourselves in learning.

Also, at Albion I have noticed how the college is connected as a community. Because of the small classes, students get to know their classmates and teachers well. Chances are, while walking through the quad, you will see many friendly faces you can greet as friends. Albion is a college that really fosters relationships and values each and every student.

What are you studying? What are you involved in?

I am an Elementary English Language Arts major with a minor in Spanish. Initially I came in as a music major, but after taking an education class, I realized that my new dream was to be an elementary school teacher. The education program here at Albion is phenomenal and I am enjoying every second of it! One of my favorite parts about the program is that for every education class, we are placed in a public school classroom where we get field experience and get to interact with students and teachers around the community.

Even though I switched from my music major, I am still very involved in music on campus. I am also very involved with Christian life on campus and participate in Chapel and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Through these groups I have met incredible people and made lasting friendships that have truly changed me and helped me grow.

What are you plans after graduating from Albion?

After graduating from Albion I plan to continue my education and get a masters degree. Perhaps I will teach for a few years before doing that, or do some traveling. I want to see more of the world. My classes here at Albion have really inspired a thirst in me to learn more than just what can be taught in a classroom. They have opened my eyes to the incredible wealth of knowledge and opportunities that are out there and made me eager to pursue them.

What was the transfer process like for you?

Transferring schools is a daunting process and I did not know where to start. Thanks to the wonderful help and guidance from the Admission Office it turned out to be a much smoother transition than I had anticipated. She made everything very clear and easy for me to do and before I knew it, I was a Brit. It did not stop there though. Even once I got here I was surrounded by a plethora of resources and helping hands. People were so eager and willing to help me with everything that the fear that I had felt going into the process completely vanished and I transitioned to my new life with confidence.

What's been the most pleasantly surprising thing you've seen at Albion?

The most pleasantly surprising thing that I have experienced at Albion is how at home I feel here. I feel like this is where I belong. It surprised me because, as a transfer student, I was coming in not knowing a single other person and was rather worried about finding that feeling of inclusion and acceptance. It has been incredible, though. I have never felt so much a part of something and that is very empowering and encouraging.

Distinguished Albion College Community College Transfer Scholarship

Albion College has established the Distinguished Albion College-Community College Transfer Scholarship to recognize outstanding achievements by students at two-year colleges. This scholarship is offered to highly qualified applicants who wish to transfer to a liberal arts college for completion of their bachelor's degree.

One student will be awarded the scholarship. Participating community colleges include:

Grand Rapids Community College

Jackson Community College

Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Kellogg Community College

Lansing Community College

Washtenaw Community College

Selection and Requirements

Candidates for this scholarship must be currently enrolled at a partnering community college and must have been admitted to Albion College. After a review, students whose credentials meet or exceed the scholarship requirements will be invited to interview with the Transfer Committee. Scholarship recipients will be announced at least 60 days prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

Eligible students must meet the following criteria:

Completion of an associate's degree or minimum of 48 credit hours at a participating community college prior to entrance to Albion College.

Admission to Albion College by May 1 for fall entrance.

Completion and submission of a FAFSA to Albion by May 1.

A 3.8 GPA or higher at the community college level. Academic rigor and performance will be assessed over the equivalent of three semesters of full-time college-level work.

Student must be pursuing an academic major offered at Albion College.

Scholarship Benefits

The recipient will be identified as a Distinguished Albion College- Community College Transfer Student.

The scholarship will cover 75 percent of the student's tuition for the first year of attendance. For the second year of attendance, the scholarship is renewable in the same amount, as long as the student is making satisfactory academic progress by achieving an annual GPA of 3.0 or higher and remaining in good standing.

Eligibility for subsequent scholarship support after two years of attendance at Albion College will be based on the student's progress toward degree completion.

Should the scholarship recipient also apply for need-based financial aid, College policies will be followed in awarding additional aid.

If you have any questions about the Distinguished Albion College-Community College Transfer Student Scholarship, please contact the Admission Office, at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
.

Application Deadlines for Transfer Students

Albion College accepts completed applications for transfer students according to the following timeline: